I'm in the middle of a hard transition: (read if this is you)
It's not too late to turn things around. I know we all (okay, I do) like to be spontaneous when it comes to vacation or days off and that's okay, we can have structure and down time.
What's missing??
Start by figuring out some things the child is missing from their regular routine. My son loves doing math and would tell me on the hour, "Oh, now we are doing math time" according to his school schedule. So, I decided lets do some math! Thankfully, his school has a great program on their school page and they can focus on any school subject they like (core ones anyways). Yes, it's a math computer game, but to him it's something he is used to doing. For PE we would do some physical exercise and so on.
Do I have to have a full routine?
Having a basic structure for your day, or even your week helps. I have even said, breakfast, errands, screen time, and crafts, lego or art in the afternoon then free time (yes, lunch and dinner are added). Again, help them decide what they want to put first and plan out your day first thing. It helps them have some control of their day so their body is less likely to spin out of control.
Should every day be the same?We like to have a routine we follow for the week. Only 3 days have a theme, the others are like the day above (just to make it a bit simpler. For example, we go to the Library on Monday (and the afternoon or sometimes before lunch we read), then Wednesday is Adventure Day!! We choose those in the beginning of summer, but you can start anytime in the middle of a transition. We choose activities such as riding the bus into town, or taking a long walk, or trying a new store or restaurant. It could even be a picnic, and it doesn't have to cost anything. Fridays are usually exercise days. We don't exercise all day, just choose an activity we like and the majority needs to agree, if you have more than one child have them alternatively choose the activity.
I'm coming up to a new transition: (read if this is you)
Talking about it coming is really important. Your child may be excited about the upcoming change, but they are still out of sorts when it happens. If this is something repeated that they have and they remember it (like summer vacation for an older child that would remember) talk about how they won't be doing Math and PE but maybe they could get ideas from their teachers how to bring some things home.
Create a visual schedule and have your child involved in the process. Ask them some things they would like to do (limit it to 3 so it's not too overwhelming). I chose Library (or Reading), Adventure (trying something new or different or something they don't do often) and Exercise. (Read above for more ideas).
Create sensory input and down times. It will be overwhelming for them to do new things everyday and all day, so try to limit how much you introduce in the first few days or weeks depending on your child. We might have the themes but make them really short and simple.
Have the proper food!!
This is key. When your child is not at school eating becomes sporadic and binging can happen (especially when they are older and have access to the cupboards. Keep natural proteins available, along with fruits and veggies they like. Limit sugary and high salt foods (a treat is fine every once in a while but if we have too much of this they tend to go there first). I'm thankful my son loves his fruit, I just have to remind his there are carrots, and cheese, etc to eat too.
These can be trying times but give yourself some grace and realize it will adjust. Keep the wine handy and make sure take some downtime and get a sitter or ask your spouse to take over when you need it.
